One of the most popular repeating firearms produced is this classic, iron-framed, lever-action rifle called a Winchester Model 1873. In .38 caliber, it is similar to the type carried by the western outlaw, Billy the Kid. From 1873 through 1924, almost 721,000 M1873 carbines and rifles were produced by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company of New Haven, Connecticut.

In good, strong original condition, this M1873 rifle bears serial # 124618A and was produced in 1883. Specimen has a 24” long octagonal barrel with a tubular magazine that is located beneath. Tube is secured by a single barrel band. The rifle’s iron frame employs Nathan King’s (Winchester superintendent) 1866 patent for storing cartridges in the tube and also for loading the tube through a horizontal hinged gate on the right side of the frame. The two frame screws and pin near the trigger are absent in this model. Lever-action frame has a sliding, rail-mounted, dust-cover rail mount with serrated edges, a saddle ring mounted on its left side, and is fitted to a two-piece, oil-stained black walnut stock and forend. Rifle has been cleaned at one time and exhibits no original case colors or bluing. It does show a smooth, mottled, light gray patina on all gunmetal.

Barrel exhibits adjustable rear sights, dadoed front blade sight, and the maker’s address “WINCHESTER’S REPEATING ARMS NEW HAVEN, CT / KING’S IMPROVED PATENT MARCH 29, 1866, OCTOBER 16, 1860” on the barrel’s top center facet. Stamping clear and strong. Another marking, “38 Cal.”, located behind rear sight.  Lightly dusty bore exhibits original six-groove rifling with light pitting but should clean up to semi-bright. Original black walnut stock is fine with normal dings, dents and abrasions from use and age, no breaks or repairs.  No cartouches.  No chips or slivers of wood missing. as one gouge on stock bottom. Serial # located on the triggerguard tang. Original frame screws are buggered. Curved, iron butt plate has the brass-mounted slide for the cleaning aperture in the stock. No cleaning rod included. Rifle exhibits good mechanics.

An iconic Winchester Repeating Model 1873 39 caliber rifle.

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